KR100732730B1 - Magnetic strap fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

Magnetic fastener pairs with low-profile designs which allow strong magnetic coupling between the constituting magnetic fastening members while also permitting easy intentional separation. Each of the magnetic fasteners includes a magnet receptacle and a permanent magnet made preferably of a strong magnetic alloy. Each magnet member is backed by a ferro-magnetic base of the magnet receptacle of the fastener member and with an exposed coupling surface for strong magnetic coupling while allowing easy intentional separation.

Description

Magnetic Strap Fasteners {MAGNETIC STRAP FASTENER}

The present invention generally relates to fasteners, in particular magnetic fasteners such as magnetic clasps, buckles and magnetic straps or belts. More specifically, of course, but not limited to the following, the invention relates to fasteners such as clasps or buckles for use with or in conjunction with garments such as bras or the like.

Unlike conventional fasteners, such as an arrangement of buttons that are fastened or released by inserting or releasing a button into or out of a button hole, a magnetic button and fastener is a pair of complementary magnetic fasteners having corresponding, or opposing, magnetic properties, or It is fastened or tightened by mutual magnetic force between the buttons. Due to the unique nature of these magnetic fastening mechanisms, the detachable pair is automatically fastened when located close to each other. At the same time, the fastened magnetic buttons can be easily separated by moving the fastening mechanism or the buttons away from each other by pulling them apart. Also, unlike conventional fasteners having button arrangements that must be engaged or released in succession, the magnetic button arrangements can be engaged or released at the same time.

The outstanding features of the above can be seen that the magnetic fastening mechanism is particularly useful in the field that needs to be fastened and released with one hand and in a short time. Magnetic fasteners, for example, are useful for costumes for artists or entertainers who need to be changed frequently on stage. It is also useful for workers in work clothes or uniforms that can get caught in machinery or moving objects. Persons wearing work clothes or uniforms equipped with magnetic buttons can easily escape from work clothes or uniforms when they are caught in an accident, so as not to be injured.

As mentioned above, a typical magnetic button has a pair of complementary elements that releasably attach to each other by magnetic force. Each of the releasable elements typically includes a plate-like or plate-shaped magnet member having a magnet engaging surface having upper and lower surfaces with opposite polarities. Magnetically coupled surfaces are usually interconnected by very thin, continuous circumferential edges, taking into account aesthetics and style. Magnetic plates or plates are usually cylindrical in shape with substantially the same top and bottom surfaces.

Magnetic plates or plates are usually enclosed in a magnetically permeable housing made of, for example, rubber, nylon, fabric, plastic (such as ABS or PVC) or synthetic resin. By decorating the housing of the magnetic fastener, it not only slows down the rusting of the magnetic material by the weather, but also acts as a cover with aesthetic design on the magnetic member, which generally has a monotonous, dark metallic appearance. In this regard, the sealing is kept waterproof or airtight, so that even if the magnet member is oxidized, the sealing is still so that the cover of the garment can hide the rusty surface from the outside, making the magnetic button suitable for applications where the disclosure or appearance of the product is important. Do it.                 

In order to further enhance the convenience and usefulness of the magnetic fastening mechanism, the magnetic fastening mechanism is always composed of a complementary magnet member having the same shape and size. As a result of the complementary magnetic engagement surface on the releasable element having substantially the same size, the elements are aligned substantially automatically upon contact, so no external assistance is required for initial contact and subsequent engagement.

In view of the many advantages provided by magnetic clasps or buckles, magnetic belts or straps, such as strap clasps and belts, for example, usually have a buckle beneath the other side during use or in areas where the buckle is difficult to reach or locate. In hidden areas, it is expected to be much more widely used. An example of such an application is a lingerie or bra with the clasp or buckle being placed on a normal back or in a position that is not easily accessible. Another example is pants suspenders in which part of the fastening mechanism must be fastened behind the pants. In this field of application, the choice of fastening mechanism is representative or reflects the taste of the user so that its appearance is generally important.

To date, magnetic clasps or buckles are not as widely used as expected in such applications. The reason for this is that conventional magnetic clasps or buckles are generally complex, expensive, heavy, poor in appearance, bulky, and sometimes inconvenient to use.

In conventional magnetic fasteners, conventionally designed magnetic fasteners are generally not strong enough to hold the magnetic pairs reliably with each other, providing additional coupling means to prevent accidental disconnection of the magnet pairs. It is common to be difficult to use. Such additional coupling means cause difficulties when intentionally separated. Furthermore, the magnetic button is characterized by the mutual magnetic force of the mating surfaces having opposite or complementary magnetic polarities, and since the magnetic mating force is usually the strongest in the direction substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the mating surface. However, the mutual magnetic force is relatively weak, so that the side movement of the button occurs relatively easily by pulling the button to the side, and pulling the button to the side unintentionally or accidentally It can also be separated. Although undesired lateral movement may be prevented by laying the mat or providing a frictional bonding surface, this is usually not an attractive option as it reduces the ease of self-alignment between the bonding surfaces. Therefore, contradictory demands, i.e. the need for fastening mechanisms that are easy to separate when necessary and must be secured otherwise, must be met for the magnetic coupling mechanism to be widely used.

European patent application EP923887, for example, discloses a magnetic locking device with interlocking devices for bags, backpacks and clothes. The device incorporates a snap-acting lock that includes a pair of male and female members to a magnetic lock. In a preferred embodiment, the male member prevents natural slipping by forming projections that include clasps that insert into the female member to bite each other. The user can release and disengage the male and female members by the operation of applying pressure to the female members. This design requires two operations: an action of pulling the magnet away from the magnet and an opening of the male and female member for disengagement of the locking device.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a lightweight, reliable and simple strap fastening mechanism in order to provide a magnetic buckle having at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages to be overcome or avoided. Preferably such strap fasteners should have a low-profile structure that is convenient to decorate and easily added to the buckle to provide aesthetically pleasing satisfaction, such that the magnetic fasteners are widely used in lingerie or fashion clothing. To be a particularly important factor. In addition, thin contour structures usually reduce the risk of damaging the sheath or adjacent soft material. However, conventional thin contour structures usually provide insufficient coupling force between pairs of magnets and are complex and additional coupling means are inevitable for such thin contour designs. Naturally, it is highly desirable that such fastening mechanisms can be snap fit and easily disengaged when desired by the user.

Throughout this specification, the terms fasteners, buckles, buttons are used interchangeably for the sake of simplicity in the context where the context can be appropriately expressed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic strap fastener or buckle which is light and simple in construction and inexpensive. In addition, the strap fasteners or buckles should have a thin contour structure that can be easily and conveniently hidden underneath the garment or other exterior for aesthetic consideration so that such fasteners can be used in the production of underwear such as bras and lingerie. Preferably, no additional complex coupling means are required for the fastening mechanism to prevent accidental and unfortunate separation. In this respect, it is also an object of the present invention to design a magnetic fastening mechanism which provides a strong magnetic coupling force between pairs of magnets and at the same time can be relatively easily separated on demand.

Preferably, in addition to the requirements described above, the buckle should have significant reliability to minimize the risk of accidentally detaching the buckle or strap fastener. At a minimum, it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with one type of new type of magnetic fastening described herein.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic buckle or strap fastener comprising a housing and a magnet member, the magnet member comprising a first surface having a first magnetic force and a second surface having a second magnetic force opposite thereto. And a circumference of the first and second surfaces is connected by a thin peripheral wall, and the housing is connected to the holder and the peripheral wall to receive the magnet member such that at least one surface of the magnet member is substantially exposed. Strap receiving means extending in a direction substantially away from the peripheral wall in a substantially vertical direction.

According to another example of the invention, the invention provides a fastening mechanism comprising a housing and a magnet member. The magnet member comprises a first surface corresponding to the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole and an opposite second surface, with the first and second magnetic poles establishing a magnetic axis therebetween. The housing includes a receptacle for accommodating the magnet member, a strap receiving means extending from the receptacle, and a stopping mechanism for preventing side slipping when the fastening mechanism is functionally engaged with the other fastening mechanism of the other side. Include. Preferably the stop mechanism is provided in the housing and is configured to work with the counterpart fastener comprising the counterpart housing and the counterpart magnet member. The stop mechanism is designed in the housing so that the fastening mechanism and the opposing fastening mechanism can be pulled away in a direction substantially parallel to the magnetic axis and separated in one operation.

Preferably, the holder includes a bottom portion and a wall extending upwardly from the periphery of the bottom portion, the bottom portion adjacent to one surface of the magnet member and the wall configured to surround the peripheral wall of the magnet member. .

Preferably the wall is suspended near the junction between the strap receiving means and the bottom portion.

Preferably, the holder includes a wall surrounding the peripheral wall of the magnet member, the wall including a raised portion that projects beyond the exposed magnet surface.

Preferably, the raised portion prevents the raised portion from pushing against the strap receiving means of the fastening mechanism corresponding to the corresponding portion when the strap fastening mechanism is coupled by a magnetic force with the strap fastening mechanism corresponding to the corresponding design. On the other hand, it is configured to form a barrier member for stopping relative lateral movement along the direction of the strap receiving means.

According to another example of the invention, there is provided a strap fastener or buckle comprising a housing and a magnet member, the magnet member having first and second magnetic pole surfaces respectively having first and second magnetic poles defining a magnetic axis. Wherein the housing includes a receptacle and strap receiving means for receiving the magnetic member, wherein the strap receiving means is formed over the receptacle and crosses the magnetic axis.

Preferably, the strap fastener comprises a protrusion that is disposed over the edge of the receptacle in a position substantially opposite the strap receiving means and extends beyond the magnetic pole surface applied to engage the corresponding mating magnetic coupling surface.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a pair of magnetic fasteners having opposing polarities so as to be mutually coupled to each other, or across a common axis and a common axis connected to each magnetic fastener and coupled to the magnetic fastener A buckle or strap fastener is provided that includes a strap engaging mechanism that extends and extends. Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises at least one protrusion present against the periphery of the opposite magnetic fastening mechanism to resist lateral movement of one magnetic fastening mechanism relative to the other fastening mechanism.

According to another example of the invention, there is provided clothing such as lingerie, pants suspenders and underwear with a magnetic fastening mechanism as described above and described in detail below.

According to another example of the invention, there is provided a strap fastening mechanism comprising a housing and a magnet member, the magnet member having a second magnetic surface opposite to the first magnetic coupling surface having a first magnetic force Wherein the periphery of the first and second magnet surfaces is connected by a peripheral wall, the housing includes a magnet member holder for receiving the magnet member, and the magnet member holder comprises the first member of the magnet member. 2 a magnet portion including a bottom portion on which the magnet surface is received, the bottom portion comprising a surface of ferromagnetic material substantially in contact with the second magnet surface of the magnet member, wherein the magnet member holder extends from the bottom portion Further comprising an upstanding wall, the upstanding wall surrounding at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the magnet member, The seat member is received in the magnet member holder such that the first magnet engaging surface of the magnet member is substantially exposed, and the housing is in the direction substantially perpendicular to the peripheral wall of the magnet member. Strap receiving means extending away from the wall.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a magnet member and a housing to be described in the first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a plan view of the housing of FIG.

3 shows the housing and shows a protrusion extending from the peripheral wall of the holder to avoid undesirable relative lateral slippage of the buckle pair.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing a pair of buckles mutually coupled.

4A is a perspective view showing a separate fastening member.

5A is an exploded cross sectional view of a pair of fastening mechanisms according to another, that is, second, embodiment of the present invention;

5B is a cross-sectional view of the fastening mechanism according to the embodiment of FIG. 5A of the present invention.

5C is a plan view of the same fastening mechanism as in FIG. 5B.

5D is a side view of a cross section of a pair of fastening mechanisms functionally coupled in accordance with the same embodiment as above of the present invention.                 

5E is a plan view of the same pair of fasteners according to FIG. 5D;

Fig. 6A is a side view of the deployed cross section of a pair of fastening mechanisms according to yet another third embodiment of the present invention.

6B is a side view of the cross section of the same fastener as in FIG. 6A;

6C is a plan view of the same fastening mechanism as in FIG. 6A.

6D is a side view of a cross section of a pair of fastening mechanism functionally coupled according to the same embodiment as in FIG. 6A.

6E is a plan view of the same pair of fasteners as in FIG. 6D.

Fig. 7A is a side view of the developed cross section of a magnet set according to yet another fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a side view of a cross section of the same magnet set as FIG. 7A. FIG.

FIG. 7C is a plan view of the same magnet set as FIG. 7A. FIG.

8A is a plan view of a pair of magnetic fastening mechanisms in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

8B is an exploded cross-sectional view of a first portion of the magnetic fastener of FIG. 8A.

8C is an exploded cross-sectional view of a corresponding second portion of the magnetic fastener of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal middle line of FIG. 8A showing two corresponding portions fastened to each other. FIG.

9A is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of a pair of magnetic fastening mechanisms according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is an exploded cross-sectional view of one magnetic fastener that constitutes the fastener of FIG. 9A. FIG.

Fig. 9C is a sectional view of the magnetic fastening mechanism of Fig. 9A when assembled.

10A is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of a pair of magnetic fastening mechanisms according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is an exploded cross-sectional view of one magnetic fastener that constitutes the fastener of FIG. 10A. FIG.

Fig. 10C is a sectional view of the magnetic fastening mechanism of Fig. 10A when assembled.

11A is a plan view of a pair of magnetic fastening mechanisms according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is an exploded cross-sectional view of a first portion of the magnetic fastening mechanism of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is an exploded cross-sectional view of a corresponding second portion of the magnetic fastener of FIG. 11A. FIG.

FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view taken along the horizontal middle line of FIG. 11A showing two corresponding portions fastened to each other. FIG.

Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a magnet member 10 and a housing 20 that, when assembled together, form a first embodiment of the present invention for a magnetic buckle. Magnetic member 10 is a source of magnetic coupling force to engage with the corresponding magnetic buckle. Preferably, the magnet member comprises a permanent magnet in the form of a magnetic plate-like material made of a strong magnetic material or alloy to increase the magnetic force per volume value necessary for small compact buckle designs. By current magnet technology, magnetic platelets with a diameter of about 1 cm and a thickness of about 1 mm and with the appropriate design referred to herein can provide magnetic coupling forces ranging from 20 to 30 N.

In the present embodiment, the magnetic platelets are substantially circular or cylindrical with a diameter of about 12 mm and a thickness of less than 1 mm. In order to provide the maximum magnetic coupling area, two opposite poles are preferably arranged on two opposite planes 11, 12 so that the north pole lies in one of the planes and the south pole is surrounded by the northern wall between the northern lights. (12A) is placed on a different plane. To increase the magnetic flux strength at the mating surface, the magnet member is housed inside a casing made of a magnetic material, such as iron or steel, or another ferromagnetic casing, with one surface of the magnet mating surface exposed. do. By inserting a strong magnet into the casing of the ferromagnetic material in this way, the magnetic strength of the exposed bonding surface is significantly increased as it is dense. Of course, other shapes and thicknesses of magnet members can likewise be used without losing generality. For example, the magnet member may be made of square, polygonal, trapezoidal or even irregular or non-geometric cross section. Also, an annular magnet member may be used.

The housing includes a holder portion 21 for receiving a magnet member, i.e. a receptacle and a strap receiving portion 25 for securing a flexible end of the strap for detachable engagement with a corresponding magnetic buckle. The magnet member holder portion comprises a bottom portion 22 preferably having substantially the same dimensions as the bottom dimension of the magnet member and an upright protective peripheral wall 23 extending upwardly around the bottom portion. The structure that combines the bottom portion and the protective wall around it provides a casing which is a cavity in which the magnet member is received therein, with the magnet engaging surface 11 exposed and unobstructed. The casing, which is a cavity, comprises a bottom portion 22 and a peripheral wall 23 extending upward through the wall and is preferably made of a magnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic material such as chromium or nickel plated steel. The magnet member is attached to the cavity housing or installed by other means including a kinematic preservation device or receiving device. When the magnet member is surrounded by magnetic material and one surface is exposed, the magnet strength of the exposed magnet surface will be enhanced and maximized, and when combined with the magnet surface 10 of the correspondingly designed corresponding magnetic buckle on the opposite side As a result, the magnet coupling force is significantly improved compared to the magnet member thus not received. By this design, a smaller and tighter buckle with strong magnetic strength can be provided.

The strap receiving portion 25 comprises a receiving means 24 to connect to or receive the flexible end of the flexible strap. The receptacle may comprise a sawtooth slot or notch to enhance secure retention of the strap.

The strap receiving portion 25 comprises a receiving means 24 for receiving the flexible end of the flexible strap to form a strap with a buckled end. In order to improve retention of the strap end, the receiving site may comprise slots to notches. In order to provide a thin contour buckle design, the strap receiving portion is relatively thin and preferably has a thickness below the peripheral wall thickness of the magnet member. In addition, the strap receiving portion is preferably formed adjacent to the circumferential edges connecting the pole surfaces, rather than extending from each pole surface, so that an overall thin contour structure can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the strap receiving site includes a rigid bridging site extending laterally or radially away from the casing which is the cavity. In this arrangement, the strap receiving site is substantially equidistant from both magnetic pole surfaces and is connected to the common casing by a rigid crosslinking site 27. The crosslinking site 27 comprises a ribbon-like flat plate member with a wide surface substantially parallel to the magnet engaging surfaces 11, 12. Of course, instead of a ribbon shaped member, a thin shaft member can be used to connect to the casing that is cavity with the strap receiving portion. In any case, the housing portion extending away from the cavity casing must be thin in design so that the overall thin contour design is achieved. For example, as shown in the figures, the substantial portion that extends is preferably flat and should be kept below the height of the peripheral wall of the magnet member 10. Optionally, the strap receiving means is formed adjacent to the peripheral wall connecting the magnetic pole surfaces 11, 12 such that they are substantially equidistant from both magnetic pole surfaces 11, 12. By forming the strap receiving means on the side of the pole surface, the desired thin contour structure is always provided.

Referring to FIG. 4, which shows a state in which a pair of complementary corresponding magnetic buckle is magnetically coupled, the magnetic coupling surfaces of the corresponding buckle A and B having the magnetically engaging surfaces 11 with opposite magnetic poles are physically engaged. It is shown. As mentioned herein, it is preferable that both the corresponding buckle is of the same structure design, but buckle having the corresponding properties but different designs may be used as the corresponding buckle or fastening mechanism.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the transverse or radially extending strap receiving site helps to reduce the overall thickness of the associated pair of buckles, such as for example in lingerie and bra applications where thin assemblies are required. It is particularly suitable for use in the environment.

Furthermore, in order to avoid the risk of undesirably or accidentally detaching the pair of buckle coupled by the magnetic force, the peripheral wall portion at the end of the casing, which is a cavity directly opposite the strap receiving portion, or an elevated toothed portion. Or with a small protruding portion 26. The protruding portion 26 of the buckle is formed above the peripheral wall 23 of the cavity and extends beyond the magnet engaging surface 11. In addition, the protruding portion 26 will be a barrier member with respect to the magnet member 10 of the corresponding buckle by extending beyond the magnet engagement surface 11 of the corresponding buckle. By engaging the raised portion with the end of the magnet member of the corresponding corresponding buckle, undesirable lateral slippage in both the left and right directions, ie in both directions of the strap receiving portion, can be significantly alleviated. When the buckle is to be detached, the user only needs to lift one of the buckle slightly, for example by turning against the corresponding buckle and then removing the buckle. In order to ensure sufficient space to receive the protruding portion 26 without applying pressure to the crosslinking portion, a small serrated shape corresponding to the presence of the protruding portion is provided so that the toothed portion 26 is separated from the crosslinking portion and above it. To exist in the. In addition, this small tooth shape may be accompanied by interruption of the peripheral wall at that location allowing the engagement of the toothed site. As shown in the figure, the sawtooth is formed at the intersection or connection between the crosslinking site and the cavity housing.

In the present example, the housing is formed integrally from the magnetic material such that one of the magnet surfaces is in contact with the bottom portion, while the magnetic coupling surface is exposed while the peripheral wall of the magnet member is received inside the cavity housing. . When an annular magnet member is used, the cavity housing may have a hollow bottom portion. To provide a decorative or aesthetic design, the buckle can be enclosed in a thin magnetic permeable enclosure made of, for example, PVC, plastic, rubber, nylon or the like. Furthermore, the permanent magnet 10 is accommodated in a holder portion made of a magnetic material to strengthen and dense the magnetic force of the exposed magnetic pole surface of the permanent magnet, but the present invention is transverse to the magnetic axis of the permanent magnet, that is, the lateral direction. As long as the strap receiving means is provided, it may be configured by accommodating the magnet inside the housing which does not have the effect of densifying the magnetic strength on the specific magnetic pole surface.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the strap fastening mechanism 50 includes a housing 50 and a magnet member 56, which is a strap receiving portion 54 and a receptacle 52c. It is similar to that described in the previous embodiment, including. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 52a is circular in shape and one side 54a extends outward to connect with the strap receiving portion 54. A magnet 56 of the same size as the bottom portion 52a is provided for attachment to the receptacle 52c. In this embodiment, another strap fastener 60 having a housing portion 62 with a strap receiving portion 64 is provided to engage the first fastener 50 so that the fasteners can function properly. do. The bottom portion 62a of the second fastening mechanism 60 has a larger diameter than the bottom portion 52a of the first fastening mechanism 50. Another magnet 66, larger in diameter than the first magnet 56, is provided for attachment to the receptacle region 62c of the large fastening mechanism 60. The peripheral wall 62b of the large fastener 60 is higher than the magnet 66 attached as shown in FIG. 5B. As with the small fastening mechanism, the bottom portion 62a of the large fastening mechanism 60 is connected to the strap receiving portion 64 via the extending side 64a.

In operation, the small fastener 50 is attached to the large fastener 60 as shown in FIG. 5D. Since the side wall 62b of the large fastening mechanism 60 is higher than the magnet 66 to which it is attached, the small strap fastening mechanism 50 has a small fastening mechanism 50 and a large fastening mechanism (the small extended portion of the side wall 62b). It will couple to the large fastening mechanism 60 in a manner that acts as a stop mechanism to prevent lateral movement between the 60. To separate the two fasteners, a single action of the pulling or twisting force in a direction substantially parallel to the magnetic axis 70 can be used. No further action is required to remove the stop mechanism.

As can be seen from the previous discussion, the phrase "substantially parallel to the magnetic axis" is for ease of understanding and includes an act of twisting to separate a pair of magnetic fasteners.                 

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6E, the strap fastening mechanism 82 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a receptacle 80 and a strap fastening portion 84 similar to the previous embodiment. It has a housing. The main difference in this embodiment is that the peripheral wall 82b attached to the circular bottom portion 82a of the receptacle 80 of the strap fastening mechanism 82 is inclined to the high end 82d and the low end 82e. . Preferably, the high and low ends are on opposite sides of the circular bottom portion 82a while having a low end 82e adjacent to the strap fastening portion 84. As shown in FIG. 6B, the magnet 86 has a thickness that is lower than the high end 82d of the peripheral wall but about the same height as the low end. As in other embodiments, the connecting portion 84a connects the strap fastening portion 84 to the receptacle 82. The connecting portion 84a extends outward from the bottom portion as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C.

During the fastening process, as shown in Fig. 6D, two inclined fasteners with opposing magnetic poles in which mutual attraction acts in accordance with the present embodiment are provided in which the high end of the wall 82d is connected to the low end 82e of the wall. Are combined in the opposite direction. In a preferred embodiment, the high end 82d is high enough to extend into the extension site 84a. From the foregoing, the side in the direction parallel to the strap fastening part and perpendicular to the magnetic axis 89, because the locking action of the strap fastening part and the high end at the low end act as a stop mechanism in the present embodiment. It is clear that the movement is limited. The advantage of the present embodiment is that the lateral rotational movement between the two coupled fasteners is minimized because of the limitations caused by the action of the two inclined walls when the fasteners are functionally coupled.

Although the magnet is described as being disc shaped, it is evident that any magnet member capable of functioning within the receptacle and including the features claimed in the claims is within the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 7A to 7E, the magnet according to the present invention may be ring-shaped as indicated by reference numeral 80 of Fig. 7C. The bottom plate 82 preferably has a raised inner circular portion 82b and is preferably provided to be attached onto the magnet ring 80. At this time, the entire magnetic element (including plate 82 and ring 80) can be used as a magnet for attaching to the receptacle in the fastening process. For example, the magnets shown at 86, 56, and 66 may actually consist of the magnetic ring and metallic disk shown in FIG. 7B. The advantage of this magnet set is that expensive magnetic material can be saved due to the hole in the center of the ring. However, the magnetic force of the magnet set is not reduced because the bottom plate can be made of ferromagnetic material, such as chromium or nickel plated steel, which can concentrate the magnet along the magnetic axis 88 and in a direction unobstructed by the bottom plate. The bottom plate is a secondary part of the magnet set adjacent to or adjacent the bottom portion of the fasteners described above, but the magnet ring is exposed for interaction with other magnets attached to the corresponding fastener.

8A-8D, a fifth embodiment of a magnetic member includes a pair of fastening members having corresponding magnetic and mechanical properties. Each of the magnetic fastening members 501, 502 includes a magnetic member receptacle, namely a holder 521, a magnetic member 510 and fastening means. The magnet member 510 is preferably made of ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic alloy. The magnet member 510 of the present embodiment is in the form of a pellet with a hole 550 in the center, such that the fastening means engages with the magnet member 510 through the hole 550. The magnet member 510 includes a second magnetic coupling surface 512 having a second magnetic pole opposite to the first magnetic coupling surface 511 having a first magnetic pole. The magnet member receptacle 521 includes a bottom portion 522 for comfortably receiving the second magnet surface 512, so that preferably the second magnet surface 512 of the magnet member is the bottom portion 522 of the receptacle In close contact with

The receptacle includes strap fastening means 525 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to or perpendicular to the magnetic axis of the magnet member 510. As can be seen clearly in the figure, the magnetic axis is generally perpendicular to the first magnet engaging surface 511 and the second magnet surface of the magnet member 510.

The strap fastening means comprise an elongated slot 524 which extends generally perpendicular to the extending direction of the fastening means. By this arrangement, a strap of constant width is conveniently received in the extended strap receiving slot, while the strap extends in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic axis of the magnet member.

The bottom portion 522 of the magnet receptacle is preferably made of ferromagnetic material such that the magnetic flux from the second magnet surface of the magnet member is concentrated at the bottom portion of the magnet member receptacle. In the present embodiment, a fastening means, which is a fastening member 560 similar to rivets, is used to fasten the magnet member to the magnet member receptacle. The rivet-like fastening member 560 is preferably made of a ferromagnetic material, allowing the magnetic flux to be more concentrated at the portion projecting above the first magnet engaging surface 511 of the magnet member. Generally, such fastening members are secured along an axis generally parallel to the magnetic axis at the bottom portion of the magnetic holder.

The component part of the corresponding fastening member 502 also includes a magnet member receptacle, a magnet member and a fastening means. The magnet member receptacle and the magnet member are generally the same as the corresponding members. The fastening means for the fastening member shown in FIG. 8C is generally the same as that shown in FIG. 8B, except that a male socket portion for receiving the protruding plug portion of the fastening means of FIG. 8B is provided at the top of the fastening means. similar. The upper part of the male socket portion is generally a frusto-conical shape and is fully inserted into the central hole 550 of the magnet member of the fastening member 501, thereby protruding the male member of the fastening means in FIG. 8A. Is completely received in the groove portion formed in the circumference of the cut conical member.

By this arrangement, the magnetic fastening member magnetically engages with the first magnet engaging surface 511 of the corresponding magnetic member in intimate contact, and also magnetically and mechanically engages with the pair of fastening means, Additional kinematic safety devices are provided to prevent undesirable or accidental lateral separation. Although additional safety devices are provided, the pair of magnetic fastenings still offers the advantage of ease of separation. To separate the magnetically coupled fastener pair, the user simply pushes down the strap fastening means 525 portion of the magnet member 510 receptacle to lift the opposite end of the receptacle bottom portion. When the opposite end of the receptacle is lifted, the pair of magnetically coupled fasteners is separated by, for example, turning about the instantaneous pivotal contact point between the two magnetic members, releasing the fastening means out of line and then separating the pair of magnetic fasteners. Can be.

Although not strictly necessary, the magnet member receptacle is made of a ferromagnetic material, preferably a ferromagnetic plate whose thickness does not exceed the thickness of the magnet member, the thickness of the magnet member being the first and second magnet surfaces of the magnet member. The distance is away.

9A-9C, a magnetic fastener comprising a pair of fastening members 601, 602 with corresponding magnetic and kinematic properties generally similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5E. An example of is shown. In this embodiment, the magnetic member receptacle includes a main housing 620 and a casing 670 made of ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic casing has a shape consistent with the general dimensions of the magnet member 610, such that it is in intimate contact with the bottom surface of the ferromagnetic casing 670 of the second magnet surface 670, which is one of the magnetic pole surfaces of the magnet member. On the other hand, the peripheral wall that is the side of the magnet member is substantially surrounded by the upstanding peripheral wall 623 of the ferromagnetic casing. The magnet member 610 is secured to the ferromagnetic casing, for example by glue or bond, or by spot welding or mechanical locking. Thereafter, a mechanical subassembly comprising the magnet member 610 and the ferromagnetic casing 670 is secured to the bottom portion 622 of the main housing of the receptacle.

In addition, a strap receiving means 625 extending in the main housing 620 is provided which extends in a similar manner as described in the above embodiments. The bottom portion of the receptacle provides a pupil for firmly securing the magnet subassembly comprising the magnet member 610 and the ferromagnetic casing 67. For example, the subassembly may be secured to the receptacle by an adhesive glue or bond or other suitable fastening means. The pupil for receiving the magnet subassembly includes an upstanding peripheral wall 623 that surrounds the wall around the magnet subassembly. A protruding portion 626 is provided at the far end of the main receptacle housing 620, ie at the end away from the strap fastening means, while corresponding to the near end of the main receptacle housing adjacent the strap fastening means 625. Groove area 628 is provided. From FIG. 9C, the protruding portion 626 and the groove portion 628 formed in the main receptacle housing 620 provide additional safety to reduce the risk of undesirable lateral relative movement between the two fastening members 601, 602. To form a complementary kinematic pair. In order to separate the two fastening members, the user simply presses the strap fastening end of the fastening mechanism such that the fastening mechanism pivots about the instantaneous pivot point so that the two fastening members are easily displaced afterwards from the in-line arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, the ferromagnetic cavities not only dense the magnetic flux along the free end of the peripheral wall 623 but also provide a receptacle to the magnet member to thereby enhance the mating of two corresponding to complementary types to enhance the magnetic coupling between the two fastening members. Magnetic coupling between the upstanding peripheral walls of the members 601, 602 will be dense or strengthened along the peripheral wall 623.

Referring to the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the pair of magnet members includes first and second fastening members 701, 702. Although the upstanding peripheral wall 723 of the ferromagnetic housing generally protrudes and rises above the first magnet engaging surface 711 of the magnet member 710 and above the general surface of the main receptacle, the first fastening member is shown in FIG. 9. It is generally similar to that shown.

The second fastening member 702 is generally similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 and has a magnetic member receptacle 720 having a bottom portion 722 made of ferromagnetic material and surrounding the magnet member 710. Include. The magnet member receptacle 720 of the second fastening member 702 is formed into a cavity with a peripheral wall 723 having a depth less than the thickness of the magnet member 710. The magnet member 710 is exposed over the peripheral wall of the receptacle. The height of the exposed portion of the magnet member 710 of the second fastening member 702 extends over and above the first magnet engaging surface 711 of the magnet member 710 of the first fastening member 701. It is generally the same as the depth of the wall. When the two magnetic fastening members are engaged, the magnetic engaging surfaces of the corresponding magnetic members are in intimate contact, while the protruding peripheral wall of the ferromagnetic casing of the first magnetic member is receptacle 720 of the second fastening member 702. It is in close contact with the ferromagnetic portion of the bottom portion 722, which is a ferromagnetic portion of. Similar to the principle described for the above embodiments, the magnetic flux is concentrated along an upright peripheral wall 723 of the ferromagnetic casing of the first magnetic member, and by the magnetic force and the ferromagnetic portion of the main receptacle of the second magnetic member When engaged, the magnetic coupling force will be strengthened and dense along the protruding peripheral wall. In addition, the raised peripheral wall extending over the first magnet engaging surface of the magnet member of the first magnet fastening member provides additional safety between the pairs of engagement. Likewise, the magnetically coupled pair can be easily separated by the user pressing or ie depressing the strap fastening means 725 in a direction substantially parallel to the magnetic axis of the magnet member. Apart from the foregoing differences, the kinematic structure of this embodiment is substantially similar to the general embodiments described above.

Referring now to the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, the magnetic fastener includes first and second magnetic fasteners 801, 802 having complementary magnetic and kinematic properties. Each magnet fastening mechanism includes a magnet member receptacle 820, a magnet and a magnet member 810, which is a permanent magnet made of a highly magnetic alloy, preferably a holder. The magnet member receptacle 820 includes a bottom portion 822 having a bottom surface made to receive one of the magnetic pole surfaces of the magnet member 810. The strap fastening means 825 with the strap receiving hole 824 extends in a direction away from the bottom portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to or perpendicular to the magnetic axis of the magnet member 810. In general, the bottom surface of the receptacle and the strap fastening means are generally parallel to each other. Preferably, the magnetic member receptacle is integrally formed from the ferromagnetic material, such that the bottom surface and the strap fastening means are integrally formed in one configuration. In this preferred embodiment, the magnet member 810 of the first fastening member 801 is arranged at the bottom part of the distant position away from the strap fastening means 825. The peripheral surface of the magnet member opposite the strap fastening means 825 is made to be complementary to the corresponding connection surface of the magnet member 810 of the corresponding magnet fastening member 802. When the magnetic fastening members having a similar design but with corresponding magnetic properties are joined to each other, the exposed magnetic mating surfaces of the components of the magnetic fastening member are magnetically exposed to the exposed bottom surface of the ferromagnetic bottom portion 822 of the receptacle 820. Are combined by. Furthermore, the connecting surface 880 formed to complement the corresponding magnet member further restricts the relative movement between the components of the magnetic fastener which move away from each other along the direction of extension of the strap fastening means 825. To provide. Likewise, although additional kinematic means are provided to limit the relative lateral movement in the direction of the strap fastening means as a whole, the magnetic fastening pair is easily separated by pushing down to pivot the strap fastening means around the far end of the corresponding magnet member. Can be.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments selected above, the embodiments are by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit the invention. For ease of description, the magnetic properties of the magnet members of each fastener are not specifically described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that for a pair of fasteners operating according to the present invention, the pair of functionally coupled fasteners have magnet members facing opposite polarities in two corresponding fasteners.

Claims (45)

A fastening mechanism comprising a housing and a magnet member, The magnet member includes a first magnet surface and an opposite second magnet surface corresponding to a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, respectively, wherein the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole. Form a magnetic axis, The housing is configured to engage a receptacle for receiving a magnet member, a strap receiving means extending from the receptacle, and a corresponding fastening mechanism having a corresponding housing, the stopping mechanism provided in the housing. Including,  The stop mechanism prevents lateral slippage between the fastening mechanism and the corresponding fastening mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic axis when the fastening mechanism and the corresponding fastening mechanism are engaged, and the stop mechanism is the fastening mechanism. By providing a pivotal support to the clamping means such that when a force is applied to the strap receiving means around the pivotal support, the combined first magnet surface of the fastening mechanism is uninterrupted by the housing of the corresponding fastener. Fastening mechanism characterized in that it can be moved by pivoting to further facilitate separation of the fastening mechanism from the corresponding fastening mechanism. The method of claim 1, The first magnet surface and the second magnet surface are interconnected by a peripheral wall, the first magnet surface of the magnet member is attached adjacent to a bottom portion of the receptacle, and the second magnet surface is connected to the receptacle of the receptacle. Located away from the bottom, The stop mechanism includes a raised portion that extends upwardly from the bottom portion of the receptacle and protrudes above the second magnet surface of the magnetic member, the raised portion located opposite the strap receiving means, wherein the magnetic member is Located in the middle of the raised portion and the strap receiving means, the raised portion has an upper end of the raised portion approaching the housing of the corresponding fastening mechanism when the fastening mechanism is engaged with the corresponding fastening mechanism. Prevent movement along the extending direction of the strap receiving means, and when the fastening mechanism is lifted off the strap receiving means around the pivot support point and separated from the corresponding fastening mechanism, Of the corresponding fastening mechanism being pressed against the housing of the Fastening that is arranged so as not to pass through the exchanger housing. The method of claim 2, The fastening mechanism further comprises a groove portion for receiving a raised portion of the stop mechanism of the corresponding fastening mechanism, wherein the groove portion is formed complementary to the raised portion and faces the raised portion and is opposite to the magnet member and the Fastening mechanism, characterized in that disposed in the middle of the strap receiving means. The method of claim 2, The raised portion is formed from the corresponding fastening mechanism against the magnetic force when the fastening mechanism engages with the corresponding fastening mechanism by magnetic force, but the raised portion moves along the magnetic axis toward the housing of the corresponding fastening mechanism. A fastener configured to not be pushed to lift the first magnet surface of the fastener. The method of claim 2, A gap comprising air is formed between the magnet member and the portion of the housing that interconnects the receptacle and the strap receiving means, wherein the gap comprising air is raised in the stop mechanism in the corresponding fastening mechanism. Fastening mechanism, characterized in that formed to receive the site. The method of claim 2, The receptacle includes a ferromagnetic sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom portion and surrounding most of the portion of the peripheral wall of the magnet member, wherein the raised portion extends from the sidewall and extends along a portion of the sidewall. Fastening mechanism characterized in that. The method of claim 6, The side wall is inclined with opposing high and low ends, the low end being close to the strap receiving means and the high end being away from the strap receiving means. The method of claim 3, An upper portion of the side wall is flush with the second magnet surface of the magnet member, and the upwardly extending side wall is interrupted at a connection between the strap receiving means and the magnet member such that the magnet member can communicate with the groove portion. And the interruption further defines a limit of the groove portion along the magnet member to accommodate the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism. The method of claim 3, The protruding height of the raised portion of the receptacle on the second magnet surface and the depth of the groove portion are such that when the strap fastening mechanism complementarily engages with the corresponding fastening mechanism, the second magnetic surface and the corresponding fastening mechanism Fastening mechanism, characterized in that the corresponding second magnet surface is defined to be parallel. The method of claim 6, The upper portion of the side wall is the same height as the second magnet surface of the magnet member, and when the fastening mechanism engages with the corresponding fastening mechanism, the corresponding magnetic surfaces and the side walls of the corresponding strap fastening mechanisms are in contact with each other. Fasteners. The method of claim 3, The peripheral wall of the magnet member is circular and the raised portion is located in a radially opposite direction with respect to the groove portion. The method of claim 11, The groove portion extends along the peripheral wall of the magnet member at a connection portion of the magnet member and the strap receiving means, the groove portion follows the curvature of the peripheral wall, and when the fastening mechanism engages with a corresponding fastening mechanism. And a length sufficient to permit movement of the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism having a corresponding design along the groove portion. The method of claim 11, The side wall is circular and follows the curvature of the peripheral wall of the magnet member, the ridge also following the curvature of the side wall. The method of claim 11, And said second magnet surface of said magnet member is magnetically exposed and said sidewall of said receptacle is comprised of a ferromagnetic material. The method of claim 14, The groove portion complementarily receiving the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism is located midway between the peripheral wall of the magnet member and the strap receiving means, and the raised portion, the groove portion and the strap receiving means are aligned along a straight line. Fastening mechanism, characterized in that arranged. The method of claim 15, The peripheral wall of the magnet member may be in communication with the groove portion and the protruding height of the raised portion above the second magnet surface of the magnet member is a groove portion below the second magnet surface of the magnet member. Fastening mechanism characterized in that it does not exceed the depth of depression. The method of claim 15, And the housing is integrally formed from a ferromagnetic plate. A pair of fastening mechanisms comprising a fastening mechanism according to claim 2 and a corresponding fastening mechanism, The corresponding fastening mechanism includes a corresponding magnet member and a corresponding housing; The counterpart magnet member comprises a counterpart first magnet surface and a counterpart second magnet surface, wherein the counterpart first magnet surface and counterpart second magnet surface are interconnected by a counterpart peripheral wall and the counterpart first magnet surface and counterpart agent. 2 forms a second magnetic axis between the surfaces of the magnet, The corresponding housing includes a corresponding receptacle having a corresponding bottom portion, a corresponding sidewall having an end attached to the bottom portion and a free end extending upwardly from a circumference of the corresponding bottom portion, The corresponding magnet member is attached to the receptacle with the corresponding first magnet surface of the corresponding magnet member in contact with the corresponding bottom portion, a free end of the corresponding sidewall extends beyond the corresponding second magnet surface, and the corresponding The side wall has a circumferential length greater than the circumference of the bottom portion and the side wall such that the free end of the corresponding receptacle surrounds the receptacle when the fastening mechanism and the corresponding fastening mechanism are functionally engaged. Pair of fasteners. The method of claim 18, And the peripheral wall of the magnet member and the corresponding peripheral wall of the corresponding magnet member are circular and the circumferential length is not equal. The method of claim 18, And the bottom portion of the mating mechanism is circular and the diameter of the bottom portion of the mating mechanism is larger than the diameter of the bottom portion of the mating mechanism. The method of claim 20, The pair of fasteners protruding above the corresponding second magnet surface of the corresponding magnet member. The method of claim 20, And the housing of the fastening mechanism and the corresponding housing of the corresponding fastening mechanism do not interfere with the pivotal movement of the corresponding housing and the housing about their respective raised portions, respectively. The method of claim 11, And the housing and the corresponding housing are made of a ferromagnetic material. A pair of coupleable magnetic fastening mechanisms having opposite magnetic poles coupled to each other on a common magnetic axis, and extending in a lateral direction to the common magnetic axis connected to each magnetic fastening mechanism and to which the magnetic fastening mechanism is coupled; Including a strap receiving portion, One or more protrusions for staying at the periphery of the opposing magnetic fasteners to inhibit movement of one magnetic fastener relative to the other magnetic fastener in the transverse direction to the common magnetic axis to which the magnetic fasteners engage; And the protrusion facilitates separation of the magnetic fasteners by providing pivotal support points for the separation of the magnetic fasteners having opposite magnetic poles. A strap fastening mechanism comprising a housing, a magnet member and a strap receiving means, The magnet member includes a second magnetic surface having a second magnetic force opposite to the first magnetic surface having the first magnetic force, the circumferences of the first and second surfaces are connected by a thin peripheral wall, and the housing is And a holder having a bottom portion for receiving the magnet member so that the second magnet surface of the magnet member is exposed, wherein the first magnet surface of the magnet member is in close contact with the bottom portion of the holder and the A second magnet surface is located away from the bottom portion of the holder, the strap receiving means extending from the peripheral wall in the holder in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral wall, the holder extending from the bottom portion of the holder And further comprising a raised portion protruding beyond the second magnet surface of the magnet member, wherein the raised portion Located opposite the strap receiving means, the magnet member is located between the raised portion and the strap receiving means, The strap fastening mechanism further includes a groove portion for complementarily accommodating the raised portion of the complementary corresponding magnetic fastening mechanism, the groove portion being complementary to the raised portion so as to face the raised portion and the magnet. Strap fastening mechanism, characterized in that disposed between the member and the strap receiving means. The method of claim 25, The groove portion for receiving the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism is located midway between the peripheral wall of the magnet member and the strap receiving means, and the raised portion, the groove portion, and the strap receiving means are disposed along a straight line. Strap fastening mechanism, characterized in that. The method of claim 26, The peripheral wall of the magnet member is circular, and the raised portion is located in a diametrically opposite direction of the connection portion between the magnet member and the strap receiving means. The method of claim 27, The upwardly extending raised portion also extends along a portion of the portion of the peripheral wall of the magnet member and follows the curvature of the peripheral wall. The method of claim 25, The holder includes a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom portion and surrounding most of the portion of the peripheral wall of the magnet member, wherein the raised portion extends from the sidewall and extends along a portion of the portion of the sidewall. A strap fastening mechanism characterized by the above-mentioned. The method of claim 29, The upper surface of the side wall is flush with the second magnet surface of the magnet member, and the upwardly extending side wall is interrupted at the connection between the strap receiving means and the magnet member such that the peripheral wall of the magnet member is the groove portion. And a limitation of the groove portion for receiving the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism along the magnet member by the interruption. The method of claim 29, The protruding height of the raised portion of the holder and the depth of the groove portion over the second magnet surface correspond to that of the second magnet surface and the corresponding fastening mechanism when a strap fastening mechanism complementarily engages with the corresponding fastening mechanism. Strap fastening device, characterized in that the second magnet surface is determined to be parallel. The method of claim 29, The upper portion of the side wall is the same height as the second magnet surface of the magnet member, and when the fastening mechanism engages with the corresponding fastening mechanism, the corresponding magnetic surfaces contact with the side walls of the corresponding strap fastening mechanisms. Strap fasteners. The method of claim 29, And said magnet member is circular and said raised portion is located in a radially opposite direction relative to said groove portion. The method of claim 33, wherein The groove portion extends along the peripheral wall of the magnet member near the connecting portion of the magnet member and the strap receiving means, the groove portion follows the curvature of the peripheral wall, and when the fastening mechanism engages with the corresponding fastening mechanism. And a length sufficient to permit movement of the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism having a corresponding design along the groove portion. The method of claim 33, wherein And the side wall is circular and follows the curvature of the peripheral wall of the magnet member, and the ridge also follows the curvature of the side wall. The method of claim 25, The second magnet surface of the magnet member is magnetically exposed, the holder includes a sidewall extending upward from the bottom portion and surrounding most of the portion of the peripheral wall of the magnet member, And the side wall of the holder is made of a ferromagnetic material. The method of claim 36, The groove portion complementarily receiving the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism is located midway between the peripheral wall of the magnet member and the strap receiving means, and the raised portion, the groove portion and the strap receiving means are arranged along a straight line. Strap fasteners, characterized in that. The method of claim 36, An upper portion of the sidewall is flush with the second magnet surface of the magnet member, and the upwardly extending sidewall is interrupted at a connection between the strap receiving means and the magnet member such that the peripheral wall of the magnet member is the groove portion. And a limitation of the groove portion for receiving the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism along the magnet member by the interruption. The method of claim 38, The raised portion of the holder protrudes above the side wall and faces the stop portion on the side wall. The method of claim 38, The magnet member is circular and the ridge is located radially opposite the connecting portion between the magnet member and the strap receiving means and the groove portion is along the peripheral wall of the magnet member and between the magnet member and the strap receiving means. Extending along a connecting portion, wherein the groove portion is formed to follow the curvature of the peripheral wall, and when the fastening mechanism engages with the corresponding fastening mechanism, movement of the raised portion of the corresponding fastening mechanism with the corresponding design along the groove portion Strap fastening device, characterized in that it has a length sufficient to allow. The method of claim 38, And the side wall is circular and formed to follow the curvature of the peripheral wall of the magnet member, and the ridge also formed to follow the curvature of the side wall. The method of claim 36, And the holder, the groove portion and the strap receiving means are integrally formed from a magnetic material. The method of claim 42, wherein And said strap receiving means comprises a strap receiving member of a flat plate parallel to said second magnet surface and comprises a strap receiving slot on said strap receiving member. A pair of strap fastening mechanisms, which are complementary, comprising: a fastening mechanism according to claim 25 and a magnetic fastening mechanism complementary to the fastening mechanism according to claim 25. A pair of strap fastening mechanisms, which are complementary, comprising a fastening mechanism according to claim 36 and a magnetic fastening mechanism complementary to the fastening mechanism according to claim 36.

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